Springfields Emergency Planning Area Revised

20 September, 2017

The Office for Nuclear Regulation (ONR) has revised the extent of the area around the Springfields Licensed Nuclear Site within which local emergency planning is required in order to protect the public in the unlikely event of a radiation emergency.

ONR has responsibility for determining these areas under the Radiation (Emergency Preparedness and Public Information) Regulations 2001 (REPPIR).

ONR has reviewed Springfield Fuels Ltd.’s latest assessment of the potential radiation risks from the site and agrees with the conclusion that the overall risk has not increased since the off-site emergency planning area was previously defined.

However, the geographical size and the number of properties within the revised area have increased slightly. This increase is the result of ONR proportionately applying all of its revised principles for determinations to enhance public protection. In applying the principles, ONR has taken into account the area which has been used by Lancashire County Council since 2011 in their off-site emergency planning.

The revised area is where the lead local authority, in this case Lancashire County Council, is required to have an emergency plan in place to protect the public. The off-site emergency planning area for the Springfields site has been revised from a circle with 1 km radii, to the following area:

a land area that varies from approximately 300 metres to 1.4 km from the boundary of the Springfields Fuels Ltd. site, which is defined by roads, footpaths, field boundaries and waterways. The area includes the villages Lea Town and Clifton.

ONR has written to Lancashire County Council and the operator, Springfields Fuels Ltd., to advise them of the decision. The Council will revise its off-site emergency plan, in consultation with the other emergency responders, to ensure proportionate arrangements are in place throughout the new area. REPPIR requires the local authority to revise its’ off-site emergency plan within six months of the determination (or such longer period as ONR may agree in writing).